More Than Toys: Gifts for Kids That Keep on Giving

The holidays are coming. And whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or another festive occasion, one of the best parts is...presents! Yes, it’s easy to log on to Amazon® for the year’s hottest board games or gadgets. But there are lots of non-toy gift ideas and stocking stuffers that offer a lot of fun and aren’t too hard on your piggy bank. Here’s a gift guide to get started:

Experience Gifts

Not every Christmas gift comes in a box. Even a 2-year-old can have fun at, say, a children’s museum, and kids of all ages love to play family members at mini-golf (and maybe win!). A fun way to engage more grown-up kids might be a cooking class, which can offer gift cards or gift certificates to open Christmas morning. Less costly experience gifts might be movie tickets, a trip to the ice cream parlor or a special “tea party” with dress-up clothes for an imaginative young host or hostess.

Subscriptions and Subscription Boxes

Kids love mail, so their very own magazine subscription can be a perfect gift. From Disney and stickers to video games and sports, there are magazines for all ages. Also consider a subscription box. From craft supplies for little ones to science kits for older kids, there’s a hands-on box for every interest and for the whole family that can come right to your door.

Practical Gifts

Kids may not love getting socks or a toothbrush as a Christmas gift, but practical gifts can still be fun. A sleeping bag can lead to an adventure; an alarm clock might also stream music; and real craftsman tools might help an older kid become a DIY expert.

Memberships

A membership is a great gift that sends kids on adventures all year long, whether it’s to the zoo, a Lego park, a gymnastics studio or a skating rink. Not only do they usually include unlimited outings, but memberships can also offer perks like behind-the-scenes tours, discounts or even special event occasions such as sleepovers at a museum.

Good Deeds

Some of the best non-toy gifts help kids make the world a better place. Depending on a child’s interest, a simple donation to a charity in his or her name might do. But, for a more fun gift, let the child make a choice about what and how to give. Older kids might like to give to a group like Kiva, where they can help choose someone to receive a business microloan. And, even preschoolers can understand how a donation to Heifer International will give a village in another country clean water or a cow for milk. 

529 Educational Savings Accounts¹

You can invest in a child's future by putting money toward tuition and certain educational expenses in a tax-advantaged account like a 529 Plan. This savings account can be used for eligible college expenses or even private K-12 tuition. 

With a little creativity, a holiday gift can be a memorable one. It might even start a new tradition.